Visitor Activities

The Refuge headquarters and visitor center is located southeast of the Lake Darling Dam and is open between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The 32,092-acre Refuge offers a wide variety of activities which can be enjoyed from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Prairie-Marsh Auto Tour Route

The three-mile, self-guided, interpretive scenic drive provides views of native prairie-covered hills, shrub-filled coulees, and river bottom marshes. An accessible viewing platform offers views of prairie wetlands and wildlife. The scenic drive closes at the start of the State deer gun season and reopens the following spring as road conditions allow.

Enviromental Education

The Upper Souris NWR is the annual site for the Mouse River Loop Envirothon. High school students from neighboring schools form teams and participate in an environmentally themed academic competition. The envirothon tests students' knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology and current environmental issues. It also encourages cooperative decision-making and team building.

Interpretive Exhibits

Interpretive exhibits and the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association (TRNHA) book store outlet is located at the Refuge Headquarters and visitor center. Visitors can obtain various Refuge brochures as well as learn more about the Refuge by viewing antler sheds, animal pelts, fossils and other collections.

Photography

Opportunities for viewing, studying and amateur photographing of wildlife and plants are available throughout the Refuge. The hiking trails and auto-tour route can give visitors a close-up view of wildflowers and wildlife. In early spring, photo blinds can be reserved to experience and photograph the extraordinary dance of the sharp-tailed grouse.